Improving grip strength

[radiusulnar]

Do you use those hand grippers or some other exercise? I hate using straps but have no choice until my grip improves.

[Randomlondonguy]

100% a wrist- strap user. My view (shared by many others as well) is that when I'm training for DL/ weighted pull-up / rows etc, I'm training a set of muscles that's OTHER than my forearm/grip. I don't want my back to lag because my grip is not where it should be. No shame in using straps!

[radiusulnar]

15 minutes ago, Randomlondonguy said:

No shame in using straps!

 

it's not so much shame but i feel that the straps are "strangling" my wrists and it distracts me from the lift.

[Randomlondonguy]

Ah I see what you mean. I used to use the thin straps (this kind - https://sg.shp.ee/E6Z6XPJ ) and used to feel the same. Now use this kind ( https://sg.shp.ee/f4Pn7ie ) and I like them much better..

[radiusulnar]

Can't view because no shoppee account. Oh well...

 

[Mr Clueless]

I only use straps when I feel my grip is getting weak and affecting my lift.  I probably use them on the last 2 or last set.

I try to hang on a pullup bar for as long as I can every end of a workout to strengthen my grip.  

[leckmich]

9 hours ago, radiusulnar said:

Can't view because no shoppee account. Oh well...

 

 

the first link

[leckmich]

9 hours ago, radiusulnar said:

Can't view because no shoppee account. Oh well...

 

 

the second link

[strategicthrust]

On 10/16/2025 at 9:33 AM, radiusulnar said:

 

it's not so much shame but i feel that the straps are "strangling" my wrists and it distracts me from the lift.

I have the same problem with my right grip 'biting' into my wrist at certain angles, so I wrap it slightly looser when that happens which seems to help.

[radiusulnar]

@leckmich thanks for taking the trouble to post pictures. I've used the first type before  maybe I'll try the second type 

 

@Mr Clueless would you suggest adding weight to the dead hang exercise? 

 

[leckmich]

32 minutes ago, radiusulnar said:

@leckmich thanks for taking the trouble to post pictures. I've used the first type before  maybe I'll try the second type 

 

@Mr Clueless would you suggest adding weight to the dead hang exercise? 

 

U r most welcome

[radiusulnar]

I was trying to shop for straps but ended up buying hand grippers instead. Hoping to train my grip do no need straps. 😂 

[Mr Clueless]

On 10/18/2025 at 10:56 PM, radiusulnar said:

@Mr Clueless would you suggest adding weight to the dead hang exercise? 

 

 

You can and I read somewhere that the goal is 2 minutes.. I can only hang for less than a minute because im heavy.

[radiusulnar]

3 hours ago, Mr Clueless said:

goal is 2 minutes

Never timed myself but am quite sure i don't hang for so long. But 2 min is more for endurance than strength? Each set of lifts needing grip strength don't take that long. So working on say 1 min with added weight might be more beneficial?

 

Edit: just to satisfy my curiosity I went to see how long I could last. 1 min 20 seconds. Long way to go to reach 2 minutes!

Edited October 20, 2025 by radiusulnar

[leckmich]

this made me think of u

 

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/04/well/move/desk-workout-wrist-grip-strength.html

[radiusulnar]

5 hours ago, leckmich said:

this made me think of u

 

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/04/well/move/desk-workout-wrist-grip-strength.html

Thanks. But paywall...

[leckmich]

u can read

 

Create a free account, or log in.

Gain access to limited free articles, news alerts, select newsletters, podcasts and some daily games.